Lost Cities in the Near East: Reassembling Knowledge through Archival Research and Excavation Documentation

Research on the 'lost cities' of Western Asia, such as Palmyra and Samarra, reveals that early explorations and archaeological practices have shaped narratives about their urban histories, often marginalizing certain periods. By analyzing archival research, historical literature, and excavation documentation, this study demonstrates how political regimes and scholarly traditions influence contemporary understandings of these cities. The findings highlight the need for a more inclusive approach to reconstructing knowledge about these significant heritage sites.

Bobou, O., Kühn, M., & Raja, R. (2025). Lost Cities in the Near East: Reassembling Knowledge through Archival Research and Excavation Documentation. Journal of Urban Archaeology, 12(1), 177–199. https://doi.org/10.1484/j.jua.5.151432